Howard Leroy Yocum was born October 16th, 1928 in Naper, Nebraska to James Yocum and Jennie Letherman Yocum.
He was the 7th of 10 children. Howard spent the first 17 years of his life on the farm with his family. He attended school until the 3rd grade.
On August 6th, 1945 he was admitted into the Beatrice State Developmental Center. While there he worked in the laundry department and learned everyday living skills.
In August of 1974 Howard moved to Valentine, Nebraska where he became a part of the KeyaPaha Cherry County Developmental Centers family. This was actually Howards first time in 29 years that he had a place to call home.
While receiving services from KPCCDS Howard learned many skills. He worked at Pizza Hut, Valentine Airport, Stillwell Insurance, Valentine High School and Wards Plumbing & Heating. He enjoyed wood working and helping at the New Beginnings Store.
In November of 2002, KPCCDS became NorthStar Services and Howard decided he was going to stay and move into his own apartment. Howard loved living in his own apartment. Many times when staff would arrive they could hear Howard singing in his apartment, laughing and joking with others. His main responsibility no matter where lived was "Locking the Doors", he took great pride in that.
Due to an illness in December of 2008 Howard moved to Pineview Good Samaritan Home where he lived out the remainder of his years.
Howard is survived by one sister, Marie Farrell from Carmichael, California and preceded in death by his parents and 8 siblings.
He will always have a special place in our hearts – God may have called him home, but his memory will always be with us.
Funeral service for Howard was held on Thursday, Feb. 19 at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines. Rev. Scott McClellen officiated at the 2:00 PM service. Burial will be held at a later date at Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine. Sandoz Chapel of the Pines was in charge of service arrangements.